> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.laozhang.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# GPT Image 2.5 -vip Temporarily Unavailable: Official and -web Routes Working

> GPT Image 2.5 Flare and Sunburst -vip are temporarily unavailable due to limited upstream capacity. Choose an official route or gpt-image-2.5-web and check billing and size options.

`gpt-image-2.5-flare-vip` and `gpt-image-2.5-sunburst-vip` are **temporarily unavailable** due to limited upstream capacity. If you need GPT Image 2.5, switch to the official-forward models `gpt-image-2.5-flare` / `gpt-image-2.5-sunburst`, or use `gpt-image-2.5-web`.

* **Published**: September 16, 2026
* **Last checked**: September 16, 2026 (LaoZhang API operations notice)
* **Current status**: Active; both GPT Image 2.5 `-vip` models are unavailable, while official-forward and `-web` routes are working

## Affected models and available alternatives

| Model ID                                                 | Current status                                     | Billing and selection limits                                                                                                    |
| -------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `gpt-image-2.5-flare-vip` / `gpt-image-2.5-sunburst-vip` | Temporarily unavailable; limited upstream capacity | Pause use until a recovery notice is published                                                                                  |
| `gpt-image-2.5-flare` / `gpt-image-2.5-sunburst`         | Official-forward routes working                    | Usage-based billing; supports `size` / 2K / 4K; select Flare or Sunburst explicitly                                             |
| `gpt-image-2.5-web`                                      | Web route working                                  | Reverse-engineered ChatGPT Web route; per-generation billing; supports `size`, but Flare / Sunburst cannot be selected manually |
| `gpt-image-2-vip`                                        | Stable and available                               | Per-generation billing; GPT Image 2, not a same-version replacement for 2.5                                                     |

This incident affects only the two GPT Image 2.5 `-vip` models listed above. Users of official-forward models, `gpt-image-2.5-web`, and `gpt-image-2-vip` do not need to switch routes because of this notice.

## What to do

1. **Pause new requests to both 2.5 `-vip` models** and move jobs that need to continue to an available route.
2. **For explicit Flare / Sunburst selection or 2K / 4K output**: choose an unsuffixed official-forward model. Check official-forward permissions and usage-based billing in [token management](https://api2.laozhang.ai/token), then follow the [GPT Image 2.5 integration guide](/en/api-capabilities/gpt-image-2-5).
3. **For GPT Image 2.5 with per-generation billing**: use `gpt-image-2.5-web`. It accepts `size`, but cannot select Flare / Sunburst. Do not assume that every parameter from the two `-vip` models carries over; verify the parameters and output you need with your current account.
4. **If GPT Image 2 is sufficient**: use `gpt-image-2-vip` and follow the [GPT Image 2 guide](/en/api-capabilities/gpt-image-2).

Before resuming batch jobs, run a small-volume request, open the resulting image, check its dimensions, and review the model, usage, and charge in [call logs](https://api2.laozhang.ai/log). Official forwarding uses usage-based billing; check the [console model and pricing page](https://api2.laozhang.ai/account/pricing) before switching.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is all GPT Image 2.5 access unavailable?

No. Only `gpt-image-2.5-flare-vip` and `gpt-image-2.5-sunburst-vip` are affected. The unsuffixed official-forward models and `gpt-image-2.5-web` are working.

### Can the web route select Flare or Sunburst?

No. `gpt-image-2.5-web` supports `size`, but cannot manually select Flare / Sunburst. Use the corresponding official-forward model if you need a specific variant.

### Will the replacement still use per-generation billing?

`gpt-image-2.5-web` and `gpt-image-2-vip` use per-generation billing. Official-forward `gpt-image-2.5-flare` / `gpt-image-2.5-sunburst` use usage-based billing. Check both the token configuration and the target model's price.

### When will the two 2.5 -vip models return?

There is no confirmed recovery time. We will update this notice and the [latest announcements](/en/changelog) when upstream capacity is restored. Wait for a recovery notice before switching back.

## Sources and related links

* **LaoZhang API route status**: this notice reflects the September 16, 2026 operations update on availability, billing types, and parameter scope. It is not a per-account test of every parameter combination. Verify current account access, actual output, and charges through the [console](https://api2.laozhang.ai/account/pricing) and [call logs](https://api2.laozhang.ai/log).
* **Upstream API documentation**: the [OpenAI image generation guide](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/image-generation) provides background for official forwarding; this announcement is the source for LaoZhang API `-vip` / `-web` route status.
* **Related documentation**: [GPT Image 2.5 integration guide](/en/api-capabilities/gpt-image-2-5), [original launch announcement (historical)](/en/announcements/gpt-image-2-5-2026-09), and [service and billing terms](https://www.laozhang.ai/terms).